In this Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot review, we explore one of today’s most visually bold and symbolic tarot decks. With thousands of tarot and oracle decks now released monthly through Amazon, Etsy, bookstores, and crowdfunding platforms, finding the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why honest reviews matter—they help you evaluate card quality, artwork, and guidebook value. This month’s focus is the Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot by Elian-James Showell, a deck that blends classic tarot symbolism with vibrant, tattoo-inspired design.
The Cards
From the Publisher
“This vividly illustrated deck follows the artistic development of tattoo artist and designer Eight Elian-James Showell. The 82-card deck includes all of their original tarot art plus four new cards painted specially for this edition. The cards feature art forms and iconic imagery from both tattoo and tarot traditions, all hand drawn and painted using the watercolor painting style of “spitshading.” The 188-page book presents full-color, enlarged illustrations for each Eight Coins’ card, along with their descriptions and unique tarot insights.”
The card stock is medium, and good quality, with a matte finish and rounded corners. They are a little challenging to riffle shuffling because they are larger than standard playing cards. If you have small hands, you may have problems shuffling these cards. Surprisingly, but pleasantly so, the cards do not stick together when first removed from the box. So, shuffling is smooth right from the first time.
Artwork and the Visual Accessibility of the Deck
The Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot features bold, vibrant artwork inspired by traditional tattoo designs. Each card bursts with color and crisp line work, echoing the precision of tattoo artistry. The figures feel dynamic, their expressions and details rich with symbolism. This deck blends the timeless structure of the Rider–Waite Tarot with a daring, modern edge. As a result, it offers both visual excitement and deep intuitive meaning for seasoned readers.
Some cards in the Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot are instantly recognizable, while others challenge perception with unique imagery. The artist’s flair for storytelling invites readers to explore beyond the surface. Because the deck follows the Rider–Waite framework, new readers will benefit from the included booklet. It provides clear guidance and interpretation tips. Altogether, the artwork and companion text create a captivating tool for self-discovery and spiritual insight.
Strength
Next after this publicity
Meaning:
The Strength card embodies the powerful union of compassion, courage, and balance. The woman represents patience, gentleness, and emotional mastery, showing that true power resides in calm confidence. Meanwhile, the lion symbolizes raw instinct, passion, and the primal drive within us that must be guided, not suppressed. Above them, the infinity symbol reflects spiritual equilibrium and the ongoing journey of integrating heart and instinct. In a reading, Strength encourages resilience through love and composure. Ultimately, it reminds you that self-control and inner peace lead to lasting empowerment and graceful mastery of life’s challenges.
2 of Pentacles
Meaning:
The Two of Pentacles represents flexibility, adaptability, and the art of maintaining balance through change. The dancing figure symbolizes movement, showing that life’s responsibilities and opportunities are always shifting. With each graceful step, balance arrives through awareness, not rigidity. The infinity symbol looping around the pentacles reflects the ongoing rhythm of give and take, effort and rest. In a reading, this card encourages you to stay centered amid change. Moreover, it reminds you that balance is a living process—one maintained through flexibility and trust in life’s natural flow.
The Page of Wands embodies curiosity, enthusiasm, and the spark of new inspiration. The fox symbolizes cleverness, adaptability, and the courage to explore uncharted paths with playful intelligence. Meanwhile, the red dahlias in full bloom represent passion, creativity, and the readiness to express vibrant ideas. Together, they suggest bold beginnings and the joy of discovery. In a reading, the Page of Wands invites you to follow your excitement and trust your instincts. Additionally, it reminds you that creativity flourishes when you stay curious and willing to take inspired action toward your dreams.
Explanation of the Cards
The Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot booklet is as beautifully crafted as the cards themselves. Each beautiful card is on the left page, with thoughtful, multi-paragraph interpretations on the right. The introduction shares the artist’s creative journey, process, and heartfelt dedication, giving readers insight into the deck’s inspiration. At the end, the booklet features a unique Eight Coins Rose Spread, a seven-card layout designed for intuitive guidance. The booklet is an essential companion for every owner of this deck.
Usefulness
The Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot is a versatile deck for readers at every level. Firstly, it blends the classic symbolism of the Rider–Waite Tarot with bold, expressive tattoo art. Each card maintains traditional meanings, making it approachable and intuitive for study and practice. At the same time, vibrant colors, crisp lines, and modern visuals bring the archetypes to life in a fresh way. Readers can connect emotionally and visually with the cards. This deck encourages creative interpretation, deep reflection, and personal insight. Ultimately, it bridges tradition and modernity, offering a unique, inspiring, and practical tool for tarot.
The Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot earns 4 out of 5 stars for its stunning artwork, bold colors, and modern tattoo-inspired design. It beautifully blends Rider–Waite tradition with contemporary flair, making readings visually engaging and emotionally rich. The only limitation is that, like the Rider–Waite deck, some cards are difficult to interpret without consulting the accompanying booklet. Nevertheless, the detailed guide provides essential context, ensuring readers can fully access the deck’s meaning, symbolism, and potential. Overall, it is a captivating, highly usable tarot deck for both beginners and seasoned readers.
Where to Buy this Deck
If you like this deck and wish to purchase a copy, you can do so online.
I am a spiritual adviser based in Cumming, Georgia, serving clients both locally and worldwide. With a background in academics and a Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and intuition to my practice. After a fulfilling career in academia, I transitioned into the role of a stay-at-home father in 2007. In 2013, I established Black Unykorn Enterprises, LLC, offering spiritual guidance and support to individuals seeking insight and clarity on their life's journey. My services encompass various tools, including astrology, tarot/oracle cards, numerology, and past life regression utilizing muscle testing. I am dedicated to providing personalized sessions that empower and guide my clients towards their highest potential.
Conveniently equipped with a home office and utilizing platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp, I offer virtual sessions for local clients and for those around the world. Distance is not a barrier to the transformative experiences and guidance I provide. To learn more about my practice and explore how I can assist you on your spiritual path, I invite you to visit my website at https://www.blackunykorn.com. There, you will find detailed information about my services and a contact form to initiate a conversation.